Idle Free incorporates ultracapacitor ESM into anti-idling system

Feb 13, 2014

Idle Free Systems will offer its anti-idling system for vocational markets with an ultracapacitor-based engine state module (ESM) from Maxwell Technologies. The inclusion of the ESM will provide cranking power for Idle Free’s Work Truck No Idle Heat System.

The system is designed specifically for the day cab or work truck market and provides up to eight hours of interior cab heat with the truck engine turned off. It uses a coolant heater to provide engine heat and interior cab heat, and provides 12-volt electrical power for work truck functions, such as running lights or communication systems.

A Maxwell ESM is integrated into the system to ensure reliable starting if the truck batteries don't have enough cranking power to start the engine.

“This no idle system saves fuel and reduces emissions and maintenance expense associated with unnecessary idling,” said Robert Hopton, CEO of Idle Free Systems. “Operators can run their heat, lights and communications devices without idling their trucks, and the Maxwell ESM ensures power for reliable all-weather re-starts when batteries are weak.”

The Maxwell ESM fits into any truck battery box that has more than one industry standard group 31 battery. Replacing one battery with an ESM reduces the overall weight of the truck by approximately 42 lbs. The ESM delivers the quick-burst power large diesel engines need to crank in extreme weather, down to -40 deg. F.

“For truck drivers who work in freezing weather, run sleeper loads on batteries, or sit in line at weigh stations with anti-idle laws, the limitations of batteries for cranking power are all-too familiar,” said Jeremy Cowperthwaite, vice president and general manager of Maxwell's Engine Start Group. “The fuel savings realized through idle elimination and reduction of jump starts typically provides a return on investment in less than a year.”